As one of the largest ports in the world, we deserve a seaside waterfront development with a premier promenade that will allow for a better quality of life for residents and a world-class experience for those who visit.
And help they did. On January 14, the Daily Breeze reported that the petition had has "collected some 500 signatures in just a few days." And at the date of this writing, the petition boasts 1,054 signatures with a goal to reach 2,000. This online petition is the first of an effort to raise awareness by the newly-formed Los Angeles Waterfront Access & Redevelopment Coalition, or LAWARC.
The City Councilmember for the port and its communities, Joe Buscaino, is also showing that his patience has its limits. The Breeze has noted his frustration at the start-and-stop progress as the waterfront projects lurched forward only to face yet another delay, or a feasibility study, or a slow-going negotiation between a developer coalition known as the LA Waterfront Alliance and Port officials.
Meanwhile, at a Council Committee hearing on November 12 in San Pedro, the Port's Executive Director Gene Seroka told Councilmember Buscaino that his message was received "loud and clear" about the Council Office's commitment to the Waterfront and desire to move it along.
In the early evening of January 27, the Port will hold the second of two community meetings to get feedback on the proposed Public Access Investment Policy. Portions of this policy were found by local REALTORS to be insufficient in providing enough funding for Ports o' Call. In particular, Ports o' Call needs infrastructure improvements - such as streets and sidewalks.
In 2009, when the waterfront environmental impact report was approved, it was estimated that $220 million would be needed for full completion of Ports O’ Call infrastructure.
“At this rate, the infrastructure will take 25 years to complete,” said Fred DiBernardo, a San Pedro real estate broker for more than 38 years and a lifetime resident of the port town. “This will kill any interest of any major developer.” (Daily Breeze)
The community meeting is taking place on January 27, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.,at the Warner Grand Theater, 478 West 6th Street in San Pedro. Port staff will present an overview of the proposed policy, followed by an opportunity for the public to provide comments and/or ask questions. REALTORS are urged to attend and make their voices heard.
This article is the second of two parts on the LA Waterfront, San Pedro and Wilmington. There is much more to come, as this story has been years in the making.
